January is the month that I evaluate what worked in family photography over the past year, what needs to change for this year and also sit for a minute with a few questions.
Is my current work true to my vision as an artist?
(If it’s not you will quickly burnout.)
Is it serving families deeply – which for me means creating honest portraits.
If it is honest – it is timeless. They go hand in hand. Always.
One thing I have realized is that I want to incorporate more lifestyle portraits (photojournalistic portraits) into my family photography this year. The reason for this is because I am most drawn to the photos of my girls that are in the moment when they are doing something and that something is never just “taking pictures”. Does that make sense? Typically, those in the moment shots when they are swimming, jumping in the pool, building sandcastles, taking a nap on the porch swing are the most honest ones – which is my whole goal as a family photographer.
I think with the rise of AI there has been this hush hush about questioning every single thing we see. Is that photo real? Did that really happen? Was the sunset that beautiful in real life? Were they really in Bora Bora? There is a feeling of distrust in everything we come across now.
That would be a tragedy in family photography.
My prediction for family photography this year is that we will see more lifestyle, candid portraits that tell truthful stories. We are weary of staged portraits that don’t connect with our soul but are just for show.
I think people are wanting more intimate moments > staged ones.
What do you think?
You will also want to read How to take better photos of your family in 2024 and How to organize your family photos.
Your blog is a breath of fresh air in the crowded online space. I appreciate the unique perspective you bring to every topic you cover. Keep up the fantastic work!
What a compliment. Thank you so much!